To some, yoga reflects a vision of tights, leotards, and awkward positions. But to Elizabeth Johnstone, resident of Stonington and founder of the nonprofit service organization Recovery Yoga, Inc., yoga is more than different postures and focusing on one’s center. Johnstone believes that the use of yoga has the power to re-root negative behavior, regain self-esteem, create an opportunity to reach out to troubled teens, and teach resiliency.
“It’s about getting back up again,” she said.
Johnstone is volunteering her time at the York Correctional Institution in Niantic for six months, directing a pilot program for 24 teens. She and the students she teaches have grown with the experience, Johnstone said. Receiving thank-you notes and letters from her students within the correctional facility, she knows the impact of teaching yoga can fulfill a larger vision.
Recovery Yoga Inc., established in February, will host a special yoga event July 12 at the Dragon’s Egg in Mystic, responding to the “urgent and growing need in [the] area for rehabilitative programs for at-risk women.” The organization, Johnstone said in a recent release, is dedicated to healing and personal empowerment through yoga programs in southeastern Connecticut and southwestern Rhode Island.
“Recovery Yoga’s mission is to establish, develop, and maintain yoga programs in residential, rehabilitative, and other facilities, primarily for women and teens working to recover from substance, physical, or other abuse, or who are at risk or otherwise in need,” she continued.
Johnstone, an instructor of yoga for two years, said the proceeds of the program are dedicated to bringing yoga to incarcerated girls and women in need. The program will be headed by yoga teacher Shaun English.
“He’s very experienced, enthusiastic, and excited,” Johnstone said.
She said many of their instructors helping the organization’s efforts are experienced independent contractors. Renowned yoga instructor Philip Urso of Rhode Island, she said, has donated 12 high-quality mats, about 40 books containing yoga positions and inspirational quotes and $1,000 toward the efforts of Recovery Yoga, Inc.
“It was just so nice of him,” Johnstone said. “The community has been so supportive…it’s really a grass-roots effort.”
Johnstone’s goal is to raise about $10,000 to contribute to the organization’s larger vision such as establishing residential treatment centers for young women and creating teacher training programs for those who would like to teach yoga in the future. She thanked the Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut for helping Recovery Yoga, Inc. to establish a donating fund for locals who feel compelled to contribute to the cause.
For more information, questions, or to make a donation, e-mail Elizjohnstone@sbcglobal.net or visit CFSECT.org.